By Marvin Walberg
Everyone hits a slump now and then -- a period when you simply don't have your act together and your attitude goes down the drain. It happens to you, to me, to co-workers and employers, to professional athletes and even to movie stars.
Fact: Nothing has more impact on career or job search success than one's attitude.
Fact: A negative attitude has a disastrous effect on productivity, job security, happiness and the morale of co-workers, employers, friends and family. A negative attitude infects others like a deadly virus.
Fact: You, and only you, have control over your attitude. You must make the first move to a positive attitude.
When athletes hit a slump, they turn to coaches; actors take some classes; students rely on teachers; employers and employees get regular training; and self-employed people seek workshops and seminars.
Job searchers are self-employed workers -- your job search is your job, and it can often be a lonely, depressing activity, leading to a deadly negative attitude attack. But you must start with a positive attitude.
Next: Eight tips to get motivated >
